LONG BEACH, CA / Overcoming addiction is a multi-part process. The process often begins with safely withdrawing from the addictive substance or substances. The addiction experts at Gratitude Lodge recently explained why medically-supervised detox is so effective and important.
What Is Medically-Supervised Detox?
Medically-supervised detox involves the use of medication to aid in the withdrawal process. The goal is to rid your body of the addictive substance, so you can make a full recovery without relapse.
A physician chooses the medication used to aid with withdrawal based on the specific addiction or substance use disorder. The use of medication is seen as one of the safest and most effective ways to detox. There are several additional benefits to undergoing medically-supervised detox as opposed to other forms of withdrawal.
Benefits of Medically-Supervised Detox
The benefits of this form of detox are physical and mental. Physical benefits include fewer physical symptoms of withdrawal. Dizziness, tremors, diarrhea, and nausea are common symptoms that can be suppressed or even eliminated through medically-supervised detox.
Numerous mental symptoms of withdrawal can be curbed through the use of detox medication. Medications can help fight cravings, depression, anxiety, restlessness, and other mental side effects of withdrawal.
Medically-supervised detox offers individuals an opportunity to detox in a safe and supportive environment. Detox centers like Gratitude Lodge are staffed by medical and clinical professionals providing around-the-clock support.
Medically-supervised detox can be life-saving. Attempting to withdrawal from addictive substances without the help of medical professionals can lead to serious brain illnesses and even death.
What to Expect at Gratitude Lodge
Detoxification programs vary based on each individual’s substance use disorder and mental and physical needs. Common factors affecting a detox program include:
- the length of substance abuse
- the number of substances abused
- medical condition of the individual
- frequency of stubance abuse
- body weight
- gender
- how the substance was administered (injection, consumption, etc.)
Inpatient medically-supervised detox generally takes place for a few days up to two weeks. The treatment process then turns toward therapy, support groups, and other evidence-based treatment methods.
Medical detox programs are staffed by qualified nurses, doctors, and therapists. Vitals are checked regularly by nurses to ensure the client’s safety throughout the detoxification process. Medications are adjusted to suite each stage of the detoxification process.
Why Choose Medically-Supervised Detox
Attempting detoxification at home can be dangerous and commonly results in relapse. A failed detox attempt can also lead an individual to forego detoxification a second time. Individuals who do not complete detox have a much higher risk of bodily damage or overdose dueto addiction.
Detoxification is known as an excruciating process. Medications can help relieve the mental and physical anguish generally associated with detox. This can then lead to further treatment, which can result in complete recovery.
What Comes Next
Many individuals battling substance use disorders have co-occurring mental health disorders. Many times, these issues are not discovered until the detoxification process is undergone.
Completing the detoxification process is the first step on the journey to life in recovery. Many individuals will continue into an inpatient treatment program, intensive outpatient program (IOP), or partial hospitalization program (PHP).
Medical Detox at Gratitude Lodge
Gratitude Lodge is a full-service drug rehab center with locations in Long Beach and Newport Beach, California. This detox and inpatient rehab facility is staffed by certified professionals and is known for its impeccable reputation.
The experts at this facility specialize in offering a personalized rehab experience. Medically-supervised detox is undergone in an intimate setting that allows therapists and physicians to monitor well-being 24 hours a day. Residents can begin with detox and extend directly into an inpatient treatment program.
Medically-supervised detox is the first step on your path to a more fulfilling life in recovery.
